A lot of fishermen (and women) tend to get confused when it comes time to shop for your first fishing kayak. I say the first boat, because this is only your first, and definately will not be your last boat, I promise you. Start out looking for a cheap used fishing kayak, you will probably find a sit inside to be cheaper. You will probably only own this kayak for 6 months or less, and will be able to resell it for the same that you paid, or a little less, depending on depreciation. If you buy the boat in extremely used condition, you could perform a couple rigging options, and modifications to it, and probably come out of the game with a profit on the boat. Back to the original topic though, the first fishing kayak you buy should be cheap. Lets move on to the discussion of the sit-on-top vs the sit inside fishing kayak.

The sit on top fishing kayak is the one that people usually seek out when it comes time to get their first kayak. These things are nice, but in my opinion, are streamlined oil tankers. The sit on top fishing kayak is usually a wider boat, 30" or more, up to 34" wide in some cases. This width provides great stability, allowing you to hang your legs over the side of the kayak while fishing. I call them oil tankers, because you can load almost everything on this boat, including the bathroom tub. The flat decks on these kayaks provide you with unlimited modification and rigging options, you can pretty much install whatever you want to whereever you want it. Most fishing kayaks also have a cut out in the back of the boat that can fit most coolers, or fishing crates. These boats, like I said, are highly sought out, and that means that finding one used can be a problem. Finding one used, and decently priced is an impossible feat. If you do come across one, it is already sold. If not, buy it, regardless, just buy it. Until then though, focus on the real matter at hand: a fishing kayak you can use now!

This brings up the topic of the sit inside fishing kayak. These boats are quite useful little boats, and often get the short end of the stick by most kayak fishermen. I love using them, and I don't have a problem with what people say either. These kayaks are perfect for use in cold water, or weather, because you can shelter yourself from the elements. When you add a cockpit skirt onto it, you are also protected from the water .. as long as you don't take hacksaws to your kayaks. The sit inside fishing kayak allows you to store a great amount of gear, as long as it can be stored below the decks. Above deck there are ample mounting points to add things like rod holders, tie downs, etc. These mounting points aren't near as strong as on a sit on top, but they do work, especially for the price. The sit inside fishing kayak has a lower center of gravity, and this helps tremendously with your hookset.

Besides all of these points, you can get into a brand new fishing kayak from a big box retail store for under $300. This includes kayak, vest, paddle, safety gear, and maybe a few new lures. You can rig it the same way you would a sit on top, and be on the water just as long, or longer than the guys in their expensive $1500 kayaks. The cheaper models aren't near as comfortable as the nicer sit on top boats, but for the price, you just can't beat it. Just remember, this isn't going to be your last fishing kayak.

I hope this article helps you when it comes time to picking up your first fishing kayak. Tight lines, from SpecialistFishing.com - Fishing Kayak